Throat Yeast Infection

Yeast is a fungus that commonly reside in the human gastrointestinal tract, as well as the moist and warm areas of the body like, the oral cavity. Normally, these microscopic pathogens do not cause any health problem, if their population is kept under control by a healthy immune system and the beneficial bacteria found in our body. But, if the immune system is not strong enough and when the number of beneficial bacteria reduces due to some underlying factors, then yeast multiplies rapidly in the body. This can manifest in yeast infection, which is also referred as candidiasis. It generally affects the areas of the body, that remain moist and warm, such as mouth, genital regions, armpits, etc. Yeast infection of the mouth is known as oral thrush, which can sometimes, spread to the throat to cause throat yeast infection.

Candidiasis in Throat

Causes
A weakened immune system is one of the main risk factors for developing this infection. The condition is more commonly observed in infants and young children, mainly because their immune system has still not developed fully. People with immune deficiency are also predisposed to develop it more frequently. This is the reason why individuals with HIV/AIDS are more likely to have severe and recurrent yeast infection.

Even people with diabetes and other metabolic disorders, as well as those taking steroid drugs and undergoing cancer treatments like, chemotherapy can also have a greater risk for developing it. Apart from these, the most common cause is overuse or prolonged use of antibiotics. As has been mentioned already, the beneficial bacteria found in our body help to control the population of yeast. But, antibiotics destroy the bacteria, both harmful and beneficial, which in turn can provide opportunity for the rapid proliferation of pathogens like yeast. This can result in yeast infection of the throat.

Symptoms
The most common symptom is the development of slightly raised lesions in the oral cavity including, the palate, tongue, inner cheeks and the throat. These lesions are usually white or slightly yellowish in color. They can be quite painful and also bleed, if scraped. Due to such lesions, one can experience soreness in the throat, which can cause a lot of discomfort while swallowing food. Many times, because of such soreness and burning sensation in the throat, yeast infection is confused with sore throat or strep throat. In addition to these symptoms, it can be accompanied by fever, cold hands and feet, vomiting and upset stomach at times.

Treatment
It can be confirmed by analyzing a sample of the mouth scrapings or the culture of the lesions. However, most often physicians can diagnose yeast infection of the throat by simply having a look at the lesions. It can be treated with antifungal medications that come in the form of oral suspensions and pastilles or lozenges. These medications need to be kept in the mouth for sometime before swallowing, so that they can reduce or destroy the yeast residing in the mouth. However, if the infection is systemic in nature, i.e. it affects the entire body system, then antifungal tablets and injections would be required.

Along with antifungal medications, some simple home remedies like, unsweetened yogurt, garlic, apple cider vinegar and buttermilk can also help to reduce the population of yeast in the body. However, it is advisable to get this infection properly evaluated with the help of an expert physician, as it can be associated with some underlying diseases or disorders.